WorldT20 exposure great for the Afghanistan team: Stanikzai

Afghanistan registered first big upset of the ICC World Twenty20 2016, defeating mighty West Indies by six runs in their last match of the Super 10 stage at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur. They led a tremendous campaign in the WorldT20. Asghar Stanikzai spoke on the team’s experience in the tournament and whom he picks to win the WorldT20.
Tell us about your experience in the WorldT20?
This trip was an outstanding experience not only for me but for all the players who participated in ICC WT20.We played two series with Zimbabwe before ICC WT20 but this was an outstanding experience for all teams. We learnt many new cricketing techniques specially got good experience against full member teams. That’s why in ICC WT20 we played three qualifying matches and four matches in top ten where we won four matches and lost three matches. This exposure was great for me as well as for our team.
What did the team learn from the entire tournament?
We met many national and international players and learnt many new techniques from the experience of expert players. We were always encouraged by senior players and got a chance of meeting and discussing with experts for improving our cricketing techniques. Thanks to the senior players who identified the problems and also suggested solutions to them and enhanced our knowledge in cricket.
Who was the pick of the Afghanistan's player in the tournament?
Rashid Khan’s performance was outstanding and he is a young talent. Overall our batting line is good however it did not click perfectly in ICC WT20. Najib Zadran improved his bating skills. Shahzad’s performance was also appreciated by cricket fans and cricket experts.
What do you have to say about Mohammad Shahzad and his playing tactics?
He played very well and he was good entertainer for cricket fans. He has the capacity to give tough time to the opponent.
What role has Inzamam ul Haq played in the team?
Inzamam Ul Haq role is very important for all team, he is one who has polished the bating and improved it. He is an experience cricketer who always shared and injecting his cricketing experience to the cricket team.
Whom do you look up to in cricket?
I look up to Mohammad Yousaf and Rameez Raja.
How has India played in building the Afghanistan cricket team?
BCCI is always supported Afghanistan Cricket Team, they provided home ground for Afghanistan Cricket Team and also promised for adding Afghanistan Cricket Team players to IPL. They have also promised to provide National Cricket Academy, coaching staff and technical support.
Where do you see Afghanistan team going from here?
Our future is very bright, people in Afghanistan love cricket, we have proper domestic cricket structure. I am very hopeful to see Afghanistan Cricket in top ranking.
Tell us about Manoj Prabhakar and his role with the bowlers in the team?
He is very supportive and played good role in improving Afghanistan Cricket Team bowling. He always share his experiences with team.
Whom do you predict will win the World T20?
India seem very positive and will win ICC World Twenty20.